Former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has said that Victory Day demonstrates the Maldivian people’s love for the country’s independence, sovereignty and self-determination, as he extended greetings to the nation on the 38th anniversary of the 3 November 1988 events.
In a message shared on Facebook and X today, Maumoon described 3 November as a proud day for the Maldives, saying it brings out the national love and patriotic spirit of the Maldivian people. He also described it as a day when the courage and strength of Maldivians are demonstrated in their fullest form.
Maumoon said the Maldivian people had demonstrated these values to the entire world 38 years ago, referring to the events of November 1988, when an armed invasion threatened the country’s government and sovereignty.
Extending his sincere greetings and good wishes to all Maldivians, the former President prayed that the Maldives would remain a fully independent Muslim nation forever.
The 3 November events took place during Maumoon’s presidency, when armed mercenaries from the Sri Lankan Tamil militant organisation People’s Liberation Organisation of Tamil Eelam (PLOTE), working with Maldivian conspirators, launched an attempted coup to overthrow his government.
The attackers landed in Malé in the early hours of 3 November 1988 and launched coordinated assaults on key government installations, including the National Security Service (NSS) headquarters and the Presidential Palace. They also seized the country’s radio and television stations as they attempted to take control of the capital.
As the attackers advanced towards the Presidential Palace, Maumoon was moved to safety by his security personnel. His security team subsequently relocated him and his family to a safe house, allowing him to evade capture while the attackers searched for him.
Despite the deteriorating situation in the capital, Maumoon and senior government officials maintained communication with the outside world and sought urgent military assistance from foreign countries. Foreign Minister Fathulla Jameel and other officials were involved in contacting international governments, with India eventually responding to the request.
According to historical accounts, Maldivian businessman Abdullah Luthufee, one of the principal figures behind the attempted coup, managed to reach the President’s office and occupy Maumoon’s chair after the President had already escaped.
Maumoon later recalled his escape, saying, “I got away in time and was in full control,” according to an archival report by India Today.
Following the Maldivian government’s appeal for assistance, India launched Operation Cactus on 3 November 1988 under the leadership of then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. Indian paratroopers were deployed to the Maldives, securing Hulhulé airport before crossing to Malé and engaging the remaining attackers.
During the early hours of 4 November, Indian troops reached Maumoon’s refuge and secured his safety. The intervention helped restore control of the capital and defeat the attempted coup.
The attack claimed the lives of 19 Maldivians, comprising eight security personnel and 11 civilians, who were killed while defending the country.
Victory Day is commemorated annually on 3 November in remembrance of those who lost their lives and the efforts made to defend the Maldives’ independence and sovereignty.
